Season twelve, kids. The surprises just keep on coming, as San Juan won it all in only
its second year of existence. Rookies are playing a bigger and bigger role as
the vets continue to retire and payrolls get tighter. Expect another good crop
of young players in 2015.
The new league based playoff system was a success and will continue on this year.
It's a nice solution to the unbalanced schedule and lets you concentrate on your
own wildcard race.
For the first time (I think ever), I'm stepping back and letting two other
people (Tom and Dylan) write the HSH. It'll be nice having a year off. Have fun reading these and get ready for what is sure to be an awesome
twelfth season. Good luck to everyone!
-- In the Lineups, rookies will
be highlighted in Red --
-- In the Lineups, players acquired in the off season will
be highlighted in Green --
| Halifax Sailors | 0-0 |
| Bedford Crunch | 0-0 |
| Cleveland Dawgs | 0-0 |
| Philly Fever | 0-0 |
| Philly Fever | 91-69 |
| Halifax Sailors | 83-77 |
| Bedford Crunch | 76-84 |
| Cleveland Dawgs | 62-98 |
| Tom: * | Dylan: I picked Philly first last year and they let me down. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice…can’t get fooled again! None of the teams exactly look outstanding, but I think it’s clear that Philly is the class of the division. One last thing, what’s the difference between Baltimore and Cleveland this year? Justin Verlander’s contract, that’s what. |
Key Additions: P Danny Haren, P Jose Valverde, 1B Prince Fielder
Key Re-signings: SS Alex Cintron
Key Losses: P Kelvim Escobar, P Ugueth Urbina (r), 3B Eric Chavez (r)
Spring Training Record: 17-13
Stadium Name: New Ebbets Field and Ampitheater Complex at the Historic Brooklyn Navy Yard, Presented by RPG Productions, Inc.
Stadium Model: Milwaukee County Stadium (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in North
(Tom) / 3rd in North (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylans Take
2014 Recap: Bedford won 84 games in 2014, finishing a game out of first in the tightest division in the SLB. The Crunch won their final three games, pushing Halifax up until the final day of the season. The good news was that Eric Chavez continued on his path to the Hall of Fame, hitting .309 with 33 home runs and 90 RBIs in his final year in the SLB. The bad news? No one else did much of anything on offense. Troy Glaus got on base (team-high 62 walks) and hit 26 home runs, but didn’t really stand out in any one category and the rest of the lineup amounted to pretty much nothing. Team on-base percentage? .302, good for fourteenth in the league. Only Baltimore and Kyoto finished with lower totals. The pitching was led by the esteemed Kelvim Escobar who won a team-high 15 games with a 2.55 ERA. Off Season Analysis: Bedford added big Prince Fielder in the off season to a three-year, $30 million dollar contract. Last year the North Division MVP hit 50 home runs and slugged .569. Money well spent for an offense that sputtered in 2014, right? Maybe not, in 2013 the first baseman posted an ugly .679 OPS. Which Fielder shows up? If he plays like he did in 2014, when he was looking to cash in on a new contract, he should effectively take the place of the retired Eric Chavez. If he hits like he did in 2013, Bedford may be in for another ugly year at the plate. On the mound the Crunch replaced the departed Kelvim Escobar with right-hander Danny Haren. Haren comes from San Juan with his right hand a little heavier than usual after slapping on a SLB championship ring. Haren and Fielder both signed three-year deals and are being paid a combined $18.5 million a year, so its safe to say the Crunch’s future rides on their shoulders Season Preview: Bedford didn’t see a lot of turnover, but what turnover did occur is pretty significant. The loss of your best offensive player (Chavez) and best pitcher (the indelible Kelvim Escobar) would cripple most playoff contenders, but the Crunch will plug in Fielder and Haren and hope to keep on truckin’. Fielder is sort of a double whammy, too, as his addition strengthens Bedford and weakens Halifax, the lone team to finish ahead of the Crunch in the North Division last year. Offense: They’re going to miss Chavez, but if Fielder hits like he did last year, it shouldn’t be that big of a loss. Glaus slides over to third base, so Bedford will have one of the most powerful corner infields in the league, and a combined 80 home runs aren’t out of the realm of possibility. Of course, neither are a combined 43, their 2013 totals. The outfield might be ugly, Milton Bradley, Franklin Gutierrez and Todric Johnson inspire fear in just about nobody. Paddy Farr takes over at short stop, and will begin his rookie season by batting in the all important third spot in the lineup. Farr’s numbers last year? 3-for-12 with a walk in three games. To be fair, Farr is one of the top prospects in the league and absolutely tore up AAA last season (1.002 OPS), but asking him to step up in the three-hole in his first season in the league might be asking too much. Pitching: Danny Haren moves over and will immediately take over the role of ace after the venerable Kelvim Escobar took the big bucks and headed to Ireland. The rest of the rotation is a little iffy. Marti, Ellis and Martinez don’t really scare anyone, but they got results last season. Hochevar made strides in his first full year in the league, and should continue to improve this year, but unless the offense scores some runs, he may be hard pressed to reach last year’s win total. Last year all five starters won at least ten games, but don’t count on that happening in 2015 unless the lineup greatly exceeds expectations. Man on the Spot: Prince Fielder might be the big 50 home run slugger he was last year, or he might be a big, black-hole in the Crunch lineup like he was for Halifax in 2013. He’s coming off the best year of his career. Bedford has to hope that Fielder – who is only 29 years old – matches the offensive output of last year, or it might be a long year. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
Bedford apparently saw enough out of top prospect Paddy Farr to give him the opening day job at short stop and outside of him, the pickings are slim. Basil Elton-John will back up Fielder at first base, and while he can absolutely crush a ball, he has to actually make contact first, and scouts expect a bit of a learning curve for the big first baseman. Starting pitcher Bill Ryan is somewhat intriguing down in the Low minors and speedy third baseman Ken Woodward will soon take over for Troy Glaus in Bedford at the hot corner.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
2B Cintron, A. 2B Cintron, A.
RF Bradley, M. RF Bradley, M.
SS Farr, P. SS Farr, P.
1B Fielder, P. 1B Fielder, P.
3B Glaus, T. 3B Glaus, T.
LF Gutierrez, F. LF Gutierrez, F.
C Petrovich, D. C Petrovich, D.
CF Johnson, T. CF Johnson, T.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Haren, D. R Wang, C. R Valverde, J.
R Marti, Y. R Briscoe, D. R Ray, J.
R Ellis, J.
R Hochevar, L. Middle Relievers Closers
L Martinez, L. R Looper, A. R Drysden, D.
R Putz, J.
Bench:
Basil Elton-John may have more power than anyone else in the league, but until he can learn to make more contact, a bench player is all he will be. Early word from Bedford is that Miguel Tejada is not happy about being relegated to pinch-hit duty, but he does add an experienced bat to the bench.
Right Handed C Hernandez, R. 1B Elton-John, B. SS Tejada, M.
Left Handed 1B Shealy, W. LF Swackhammer, L.
Switch Hitter *
Key Additions: *
Key Re-signings: *
Key Losses: P Carlos Hernandez, P Scott Kazmir, P Barry Zito
Spring Training Record: 14-16
Stadium Name: Boneyard Field
Stadium Model: Pro Player Stadium (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in North (Tom) /
Last in North (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: Come mid-season last year, Cleveland was in the middle of the heated North division playoff race. After that? Not so much. A second half full of turmoil and roster turnover absolutely decimated the Dawgs, and they quickly fell not only out of the playoff hunt, but also into the bottom half of the league. Mike McAvoy abruptly quit, and new GM Kevin Park wasted no time in shaping the team in accordance with his vision. Did it work? You be the judge, Cleveland finished with just 68 wins, good (bad?) enough for the fourth worst total in the SLB. Off Season Analysis: They traded Scott Kazmir to Chiang-Mai and lost Barry Zito to Savannah in the auction, so they lost two rotation anchors. Park had no other choice, though, as Verlander and his mega contract ($15 million per) take up almost one-third of the Dawg payroll. The lack of fundage also means that Cleveland brought in absolutely no one of note, and will head into the new season with a 25-man roster featuring eight new faces. Season Preview: The North division should be tight once again, so it’s hard to really write off any one team. What am I saying, no it’s not, short of Jesus Christ himself (who can hit a curveball, by the way) coming down and manning second base, Cleveland should finish in last. They desperately need to ditch Verlander’s contract on someone, no easy task seeing as how very few teams can afford a $15 million dollar reclamation project. It could be a very long season for Dawg fans in 2015. Offense: The Dawgs may very well have an historically bad offense, as outside of second-year left fielder Alex Hildenbrand and cleanup hitter Neil Walker, there is absolutely no one worthy of getting excited about here. Alex Gordon should be better than he is, but his career is beginning to mirror that of Matt Bush, the former star-to-be short stop that never panned out and has bounced around the league the last few years. If Gordon doesn’t get it together, expect this offense to be among the league’s worst. Pitching: Justin Verlander should bounce back in 2015. He was absolutely untouchable in 2013, but injuries slowed him last year and he ended up posting a career worst line. Daniel Pursel was actually Cleveland’s best starter in 2014, and a combination of Pursel and a healthy Verlander gives the Dawgs a pretty sturdy 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. Of course, Verlander might stink it up again, and Pursel, despite last year, is still a bit of a wildcard. Due to the payroll crunch, Cleveland is going with James Howell in the fourth spot of the rotation. Yes, the same James Howell with the career high of 110 innings pitched. The pitching should be better than the hitting, but it might be close. Man on the Spot: Justin Verlander MUST pitch well for Cleveland, for a variety of reasons. If he gets off to a slow start, there is no way for the Dawgs to trade him, meaning that he’ll be killing them not just on the mound, but in the pocketbook as well. If he replicates his 2014, reserve Cleveland a spot in last, and write it in pen. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
*
Top Prospects Report:
The prospect cupboard is pretty rare too, but that is the way things in SLB go these days, as most teams need cheap production and can’t afford to keep young players in the minors for long. Jacob Vorhees, a left handed pitcher in the low-minors, doesn’t have great stuff, but has three average pitches and might end up in the bullpen sooner than later. Jack Horner has a nice contact/speed combination, but as a left fielder, he doesn’t have the power for a corner outfield spot.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
CF Johnson, C. 2B Luiz, R.
LF Hildenbrand, A. LF Hildenbrand, A.
RF Gomes, J. 3B Gordon, A.
C Walker, N. C Walker, N.
3B Gordon, A. RF Gomes, J.
1B Hare, D. 1B Hare, D.
SS Castillo, J. SS Castillo, J.
2B Luiz, R. CF Johnson, C.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Verlander, J. R McClung, S. R Anderson, J.
R Pursel, D. R Miller, M.
L Y'Barra, C.
L Howell, J. Middle Relievers Closers
R Mangan, R. R Gant, J. R Rodriguez, F.
R Overholt, P.
Bench:
Like the rest of the roster, not a lot going on here. No left handed hitters mean that teams that face them in the late innings don’t have to worry about bringing in a lefty specialist. That may not sound like too big of a deal, but it is.
Right Handed C Pohlman, D. 2B Weeks, R. 3B Braun, R. LF Boatright, S.
Left Handed *
Switch Hitter *
Key Additions: P Jeremy Sowers, P Wade Townsand, SS Kippy Sunderstrom
Key Re-signings: *
Key Losses: P Armando Benitez (r), P Francisco Cordero, P Horacio Ramirez, 1B Prince Fielder, 2B T.J. Mackey, 3B Hank Blalock
Spring Training Record: 21-9
Stadium Name: The Wanderer's Grounds
Stadium Model: Kauffman Stadium (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in North (Tom) /
2nd in North (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: The Sailors won the North last season, a division race that came down to the final day, by one game. Prince Fielder led their offense, banging out 50 home runs and slugging .569. Delmon Young and T.J Mackey were also valuable cogs, the former hitting 32 home runs and knocking in 94, the latter driving in 87 runs with 21 homers and an astonishing 69 doubles. On the pitching side, Adam Wainright led the team with 14 wins, Horacio Ramirez posted the lowest ERA (3.21) amongst Sailor starters and Craig Hansen was his usual un-hittable self, holding opponents to a .219 BAA. Armando Benitez also was strong out of the pen for Halifax, throwing 38.1 innings with a .180 BAA, tops on the team. Off Season Analysis: Benitez retired in the off season, and the team lost its best starter (Ramirez to Scotland) and top two offensive players (Fielder to Bedford, Mackey to London). They added Wade Townsand and Jeremy Sowers (he of the 37 combined losses in the last two years) to the pitching corps, Sowers will take the No. 2 role in the starting rotation and Townsand will begin the season as the closer. The Sailors also picked up little known Kippy Sunderstrom to play shortstop. Sunderstrom, a first round pick by Ireland in 2008, has never played a full season, but did impress in 484 at-bats for Savannah last year, hitting .298 with a .345 on-base percentage. Season Preview: Yet another North division club that appears to have gotten weaker. Brad Hawpe will take over for Fielder at first base against right handers and Sunderstrom will take Mackey’s spot at short. The offense still has a shot to be upper echelon if Bristow continues to grow and Sunderstrom hits like he did in 2014. The biggest weight will be on the three and four hitters, Young and the Bristow/Corcoran combo. Without Fielder’s big bat in the lineup, they won’t see as many fast balls as they did last year. Pitching-wise, Niemann is the ace of the staff, and should be a good bet to win 15 games. Counting on Sowers at two is a risky proposition, given his last two years. Getting out of the mire that is Baltimore will probably help get him on the right path. Hansen still anchors the bullpen as one of the SLB’s most consistent relievers. He may see time at closer this season if Townsand struggles. Offense: Losing Fielder and Mackey hurts, but the offense should be ok. Young is a player that s consistently good, but never as great as his talent indicates. He should be a threat for 40-50 home runs a year, yet only once has he reached that target (41 HR in 2010). If he hits like he’s capable, he should fill in for Fielder. The other key is going to be Sunderstrom. Can he hit .300 in a 160 game season? He’s going to get his chance. Pitching: Normally I would say that if Jeremy Sowers is your No. 2 starter, your rotation is probably not a strong point, but Halifax’s pitching crew has the potential to be pretty good. The choice to go with Sowers at No. 2 is puzzling, as he is probably the fifth best starter in the rotation, but I guess the Sailors are banking on him improving now that he’s away from Baltimore (and gets to face them a few times a season). Townsand is now the closer, but how many miles does he have left on his arm? He’s always been mediocre, until last season when he posted a 3.83 ERA in 94 innings, the most of his career. If he can avoid dead arm, he might team up with Craig Hansen to form a pretty potent 1-2 punch. Man on the Spot: Delmon Young, it’s finally time to step up. After a big 2010 season that saw him win the North division MVP, the left fielder has been consistently good, but not as great as he should be. The Sailors need him to step it up this season, and reach that MVP level once again. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
Cole Gillespie is easily the team’s top prospect, and should have a chance at center field in 2015. He hit .341 with 11 triples in AAA and is loaded with talent, enough so that Alexis Rios and Bob Corcoran will likely spend the early parts of the year looking over their respective shoulders. Rand McPherson dominated on the mound for Vancouver in 2014, going 14-2 with a 2.47 ERA. He’ll start the season in the Sailor bullpen, but should any of the starters falter, he should be on call.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
LF Crawford, C. 2B Bristow, K.
SS Sunderstrom, K. SS Sunderstrom, K.
2B Bristow, K. CF Corcoran, B.
1B Young, D. 1B Young, D.
CF Rios, A. C Johjima, K.
C Johjima, K. 3B Hawpe, B.
RF Gillespie, C. RF Gillespie, C.
3B Maddox, M. LF Crawford, C.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Niemann, J. R Phillips, P. R Gatsby, C.
L Sowers, J. R Hansen, C.
R McCormick, M.
R Wainwright, A. Middle Relievers Closers
R Ridener, E. R Towaki, M. R Townsand, W.
L McPherson, R.
Bench:
Brad Hawpe and Alexis Rios are about as good of a 1-2 bench combo as anyone in the league. Carl Crawford will sit against right handers, allowing Halifax a nice late inning pinch running option.
Right Handed C Christianson, R. 3B M. Maddox (vs.R) CF Corcoran, B. (vs.L) CF Rios, A. (vs.R)
Left Handed 1B Hawpe, B. (vs.L) Switch Hitter C Poterson, J. 3B Sandoval, F. SS Finney, W.
Key Additions: P Wade Miller, RF Grady Sizemore
Key Re-signings: 1B Craig Brazell, 3B Miguel Cabrera
Key Losses: SS Val Pasucci, LF Wily Mo Pena
Spring Training Record: 16-14
Stadium Name: Connie Mac Stadium
Stadium Model: Wrigley Field (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in North (Tom) /
1st in North (Dylan)
| Darin's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: The bottom third of the trio of North division teams that fought for one spot, the Fever finished two games out of first, going 7-3 over their last ten games to help push the division race to the wire. Three players, Miguel Cabrera, Craig Brazell and the surprising Matthew Spring each hit 30 home runs and Bobby Brownlie continued to excel, winning 14 games (and losing just three) while posting a 3.47 ERA. Scott Strickland came out of nowhere after years of suckage to put up a stunning 2.58 ERA in 97 2/3 IP. Off Season Analysis: The Fever succeeded where the other teams in the division failed by re-signing their own talent. Cabrera and Brazell are back to anchor the corner infield positions, and should be good for at least 60 home runs. Wade Miller came over from Osaka and will take over at the No. 2 spot in the rotation, Miller has had a sub 4.00 ERA in seven of the last eight years. Grady Sizemore took a step back last season in Cleveland and Paris, but was signed for $4 million a year for three years and will now man left field in Philadelphia, but for how long? Hot shot prospect Andy Hunter had a 1.059 OPS in AAA last year, but now that Philly has committed $12 million to Sizemore, how long must he wait to get a real shot? Season Preview: In what is maybe the weakest division in the league, Philly is clearly the class of the league. The offense features both speed (three players stole over 30 bases last year) and power (three players knocked out thirty home runs) and the rotation features probably the division’s best starter in Bobby Brownlie. The bullpen was a strength last year, but was it a fluke? Offense: The lineup should fight it out with Halifax for the division’s best, returning basically the entire group of hitters that finished third in the SLB last season with a .279 team batting average. Cabrera continues his march to 400 home runs (and the Hall of Fame?) after hitting 35 last season in his first season as a Fever, giving him 314 for his career. Brazell is one of the more underrated first basemen in the league. He doesn’t walk, but he should be good for a .280 batting average and 25-35 home runs. Jay Bruce is one of the most dynamic leadoff hitters in the game, sort of a poor mans D2J, if you will. In his first full season, the centerfielder hit 20 home runs and stole 31 bases. He should be good for 25-30 homers this year, and if he hits .300 (he hit .336 in 2014) he could be one of the better centerfielders in the game. Pitching: The rotation is led once again by the highly underrated Bobby Brownlie, who should be a lock to win 15 games. The rest of the corps goes from good (Harden) to pretty ugly (Buehrle and Cotts). Last season the bullpen was very good, but the best of the group (Strickland) is gone. With four starters that might post ERA’s above 4.00, the pen will have to repeat its performance from 2014 if this team wants to win 90 games and be assured of a playoff spot. Man on the Spot: Wade Miller is out of Asia and the home run haven that is Osaka. He takes over the No. 2 spot in the rotation, and as much of a wildcard as the rotation outside of Brownlie is, a big year out of Miller should secure the division title for the Fever. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
Bobby Lowery will start his first year in the league out as the team’s closer after a disappointing season in AAA last year. The right hander has amazing stuff, but gave up too many home runs (11 in 52 innings for Washington, DC last year) and ended the season with a 5.02 ERA. The potential is there, though. Andy Hunter is the best offensive prospect, after hitting .327 with 32 homers in AAA. Sizemore is just keeping LF warm for him.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
CF Bruce, J. CF Bruce, J.
2B Osteen, C. 2B Osteen, C.
RF Hunting, W. RF Hunting, W.
3B Cabrera, M. 3B Cabrera, M.
1B Brazell, C. 1B Brazell, C.
LF Sizemore, G. LF Sizemore, G.
C Spring, M. C Spring, M.
SS Phillips, B. SS Kelly, D.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Brownlie, B. L Affeldt, J. L Romanczuk, M.
R Miller, W. R Montgomery, W. L Rohrbaugh, R.
R Harden, R.
L Buehrle, M. Middle Relievers Closers
L Cotts, N. L Trest, C. R Lowery, B.
R Walker, A.
Bench:
Al Pepper hit .293 in a handful of at bats last year, but lacks experience, while no one else on the bench looks like a very good option for pinch hitting duties. Dustin Kelly had over 200 at bats last season, but hit just .269.
Right Handed C/1B Phillips, J. 2B Phillips, B. (vs.R) SS Kelly, D. (vs.L) LF Bloomfield, T. RF Wilson, J.
Left Handed *
Switch Hitter 3B Pepper, A.
South Division
| Atlanta Flyers | *-* |
| Savannah Sabers | *-* |
| San Juan Senadores | *-* |
| Baltimore Panthers | *-* |
| Atlanta Flyers | 99-61 |
| San Juan Senadores | 85-75 |
| Savannah Sabers | 77-83 |
| Baltimore Panthers | 60-100 |
| Tom: * | Dylan: I think San Juan surprised everyone last season, though, to Bill’s credit, he told me multiple times that if he made it into the playoffs he would do some damage. Atlanta once again won the most games in the league, but failed to make the World Series. The Flyers are once again the best team in the division, but the race for second should be closer than in 2014. Danny Haren and his sub 3.00 ERA is no longer in the Senadore rotation, and Gluvna hopes he can keep getting fantastic seasons out of reclamation projects. I don’t see Meche putting up another 3.10 ERA, so Savannah might be able to sneak up on some people. In the end I still think that Sabathia himself is good enough to keep San Juan ahead of the Sabres. Baltimore? Wait till next year. |
Key Additions: P Ricky Stone
Key Re-signings: *
Key Losses: P Brad Lidge (r), P Wade Townsand, RF Dennis Dennis, Jr.
Spring Training Record: 13-17
Stadium Name: Quo Vadimus Stadium
Stadium Model: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in South (Tom) /
1st in South (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: Atlanta was once again the class of the league in 2014, and they once again coughed it up in the playoffs. Lemming and now departed Dennis Dennis Jr. turned in their usual incredible performances and Jeffrey Clement banged out 36 home runs in his rookie season, good for second on the team. Homer Bailey won 17 games with a 2.09 ERA, but failed in his attempt for a Cy Young three-peat. Mark Prior and Carlos Zambrano celebrated their new contracts by combining to win 32 games. Off Season Analysis: D2J defected to the Far East, leaving a hole at the top of the Flyers’ lineup and Brad Lidge defected to a retirement home on a beach in south Florida. Atlanta will just let prospect Gregory Golson man the leadoff spot and shift Danys Baez to closer. Other than that, not a lot went on in the off season for Atlanta. Not that a lot needed to be done. It’s clear that Atlanta has the most talented roster in the league, it’s just a matter of when they put it together in the playoffs. Season Preview: Once again, Atlanta is not just best team (on paper) in the division, but in the league. Anything less than 95 wins would have to be considered a major disappointment. Look for Lemming to put another strong season up, after his MVP reign was ended by Dave Peppers in Osaka. Golson begins the season as one of the leading candidates for Rookie of the Year as well. Offense: Lemming, Lind and Clement provide a lot of punch, and the mega talented Golson should score a lot of runs atop this lineup. The Lane, Berroa, Chapman trio at the end of the lineup doesn’t really inspire fear, though. Lowrie needs to get back to his Rookie of the Year numbers to make up for three automatic outs at the end of the lineup. If he and Golson swing the sticks, this offense will be near the top of the charts. Pitching: What else can be said about this staff? Can any other team touch the trio of Bailey, Prior and Zambrano? Those three are good for about 50 wins a season, or 10 less than the entire Baltimore team wins a season. Pavano’s season wasn’t far behind those three, either. Does anyone know why Ryan Tucker or Al Krieger aren’t starting instead of Mahara? The two minor leaguers dominated AAA, while Mahara was the weak spot on an otherwise stellar rotation. I know Atlanta waits as long as they can to bring up its minor leaguers, but with San Juan further proving the importance of starting pitching, can they spend another 30 starts on Mahara? We’ll see. Man on the Spot: Gregory Golson has the unenviable task of taking over for fan-favorite D2J. If he approaches his level of production, Atlanta’s offense will be amongst the league’s best. If not? Well, they’ll probably still be among the league’s best. Must be fun. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
Atlanta is as loaded in the minors as they are in the pros. Golson and Burns are a great outfield tandem, and considering that they can each play CF, it makes them even more valuable. Krieger and Tucker were flat out unhittable in the minor leagues last season, and are basically just waiting on the call.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
LF Golson, G. LF Golson, G.
2B Lowrie, J. 2B Lowrie, J.
CF Lemming, D. CF Lemming, D.
1B Lind, A. 1B Lind, A.
C Clement, J. C Clement, J.
RF Lane, J. RF Lane, J.
SS Berroa, A. SS Berroa, A.
3B Chapman, T. 3B Chapman, T.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Zambrano, C. R Hernandez, G. R Hurley, E.
R Bailey, H. R Gregg, K. R Rodney, F.
R Prior, M.
R Pavano, C. Middle Relievers Closers
R Mahara, T. R Stone, R. R Baez, D.
R Yenkel, V.
Bench:
Eric Valent struggled last season but absolutely crushed the ball in 2013, to the tune of a 1.017 OPS. Personally, I feel that he’s probably a better option than Jason Lane, who has only had one good season in his last five, but hey, who am I to argue with how Atlanta does things? Between Valent and Cabrera, the Flyers have over 10,000 at bats of experience.
Right Handed C Merritt, T. 3B Jacobo, E. SS Cabrera, O. LF Slayden, J.
Left Handed LF Valent, E.
Switch Hitter *
Key Additions: *
Key Re-signings: RF Vladimir Guerrero
Key Losses: P Kyle Lohse, P Jeremy Sowers, C Joe Mauer, 3B David Wright
Spring Training Record: *-*
Stadium Name: Panther Dome
Stadium Model: Astrodome (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in South (Tom) /
Last in South (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: 61 wins. Baltimore being Baltimore. In a division with Atlanta, San Juan and 2013 champion Savannah, these guys are out of the race on day one, and things were no different last year. Paul Mathew stole a lot of bases and Vlady Daddy had a nice year. The pitching, outside of Eulogio De la Cruz, sucked. Yawn. Off Season Analysis: Kyle f*cking Newby? The jokes write themselves. Cleveland tossed $500,000 a year at Newby and Baltimore tossed $5,000,000. Did Jose just mess up and accidentally add a zero to his bid? Inquiring minds want to know. Season Preview: They’ll finish in last. It’s set in stone. You know how people say “if someone offers you 10,000-to-1 odds, you always take the bet”? Well, I don’t care if someone offers you 10,000,000-to-1 odds, stay away. Even if they improve, they can’t touch the other three teams in their division. Offense: Let’s see, they have Vlad and….what? McPherson appears to be resigned to just cashing his checks, and Mathew, while fast, can’t get on base to save his life. Hubie Bluege hit .338 in limited time for Scotland last year, and he takes over at shortstop. Rookie Teddy Gammell will man the hot corner in his first season in the league, but don’t believe his lies, this offense will be bad. Pitching: Once again, Kyle f*cking Newby. He’s going to be the third starter. Jason Marquis is the “ace”. Is this the season Ubardo starts to reach his unlimited potential, or will he forever be the pitching version of Alex Gordon? Man on the Spot: It could be anyone, but I’ll say Newby. Baltimore’s fan is already very angry about the signing, and if Newby starts out slow, he may find himself shanked before the All-Star break. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
For a perennial bottom feeding team, there isn’t a lot to get stoked about down here. Gammell is probably the best of the bunch, and he’ll get his chance to shine this season. None of the minor league pitching is particularly impressive. Broderick Blaemire was decent in AAA and is now the big club’s No. 5 starter.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
SS Bluege, H. SS Bluege, H.
2B Matthew, P. 2B Matthew, P.
RF Guerrero, V. RF Guerrero, V.
3B McPherson, D. 1B McPherson, D.
LF Gerut, J. LF Mayberry, J.
1B Rich, D. 3B Gammell, T.
CF Pope, K. CF Pope, K.
C Coogan, F. C Coogan, F.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Marquis, J. R Hanrahan, J. R Spooneybarger, T.
R Ubardo, E. L Ryan, B.
R Newby, K.
L Switzer, J. Middle Relievers Closers
R Blaemire, B. R Guzman, A. R De La Cruz, E.
R Villarreal, O. R Atkins, M.
Bench:
Ha ha ha, yeah right. If you aren’t good enough to start for Baltimore, I’m not wasting my time.
Right Handed 3B Gammell, T. (vs.L) RF Mayberry, J. (vs.L)
Left Handed 1B Rich, D. (vs.R) LF Kemp, J. RF Gerut, J. (vs.R)
Switch Hitter C Martinez, V. SS Castro, B.
Key Additions: P Carlos Hernandez, 3B David Wright
Key Re-signings: 2B Scott Hodges
Key Losses: P Danny Haren
Spring Training Record: *-*
Stadium Name: Estadio de San Juan
Stadium Model: Ballpark at Arlington (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in South (Tom) /
2nd in South (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: Surprise! The Senadores perfected the “get hot at the right time” strategy and blew through the playoffs like an Atlantic storm, eventually downing Paris in six games. Outside of Buerhle, their pitching was unhittable (Gil Meche? Seriously?). Big C.C. won 19 games and his first Cy Young award, and free agent acquisition Mark Teixeira instantly became the team’s best power threat, and Scott Hodges banged out a remarkable 225 hits. Two years ago they were getting set to being their first season and now they’re champions. See Baltimore? There’s hope! Off Season Analysis: They kept Scott Hodges for just $5.5 million a year, a steal considering how he hit in 2014. They signed David Wright away from Baltimore, and he’ll become the new third baseman. Danny Haren took off, and they replaced him with Carlos Hernandez, a key cog to Savannah’s 2013 title run. Season Preview: Can they take first place from Atlanta this year? On paper, no, but paper didn’t have them as they champs last year, either, so who knows. Most of the key parts from last season’s team remain, so where can they go from here? Everyone will be gunning for them this season, and they have nothing left to prove. Offense: The lineup really isn’t great, but it’s serviceable. Hodges is one of the most underrated players in the league, and Teixeira should be good for around 30 home runs. Floyd Larkin impressed last year, but missed time with injury. Milledge is going to run, run and run some more. Too bad he can’t run himself to first base more often, as he struggles to get on base more than 30% of the time. Buzz Bliss hit .307 in a smattering of at bats last year, and will get the nod in center field this year. Pitching: I can’t see this group matching their 2014 output. Sabathia should come close, but will Gil Meche really put up a 3.10 ERA again? Haren was one of the best No. 2’s in the league, but he’s gone and Dewon Brazleton will take his spot in the rotation. Oliver Perez could surprise a lot of people this year. The relatively unheralded lefty has two straight seasons of sub 4.00 ERA’s, and he’s moving to a pitching haven in San Juan. As far as the bullpen goes, you only need to know one word. Papelbon. He struggled after the All-Star break last year (also known as pulling a Huston), but still posted numbers worthy of Reliever of the Year consideration. Man on the Spot: San Juan won 91 games last season on the strength of its starting pitching, but can they repeat? Gil Meche somehow posted a career best 3.10 ERA, and counting on that kind of output is risky. The Senadores are going to need him to do it again, though, as he’s now their No. 2 starter. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
Left fielder Matt Musser has a nice blend of speed and power, and no matter how many bases Milledge steals, if he doesn’t get on base more, Musser might find himself up sooner than later. Left hander Alvin Dailey has a chance to be special someday, but he needs a few more years of seasoning.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
CF Bliss, B. CF Bliss, B.
2B Hodges, S. 2B Hodges, S.
1B Teixeira, M. 1B Teixeira, M.
SS Larkin, F. SS Larkin, F.
RF Huff, A. 3B Wright, D.
3B Wright, D. RF Huff, A.
LF Milledge, L. LF Milledge, L.
C McCann, B. C McCann, B.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
L Sabathia, C. L Fossum, C. R Williamson, S.
R Meche, G. L Hernandez, C. R Jackson, E.
R Brazleton, D.
L Perez, O. Middle Relievers Closers
L Blackley, T. L Durden, B. R Papelbon, J.
R Biddle, R.
Bench:
Hafner and Nady combined for over 500 at bats last year and will once again be the first bats off the bench for the Senadores. Nic Jackson hit under the Mendoza line last year and should be a last option.
Right Handed C Laird, G. RF Nady, X.
Left Handed 1B Hafner, T. LF Jackson, N.
Switch Hitter *
Key Additions: P Barry Zito, 1B Hee-Seop Choi, SS Val Pasucci
Key Re-signings: P Phillip Humber
Key Losses: P Jose Valverde, P Randy Wolf (r), SS Kippy Sunderstrom, RF Jay Gibbons (r)
Spring Training Record: 13-17
Stadium Name: Oglethorpe Memorial Stadium
Stadium Model: Shea Stadium (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in South (Tom) /
3rd in South (Dylan)
| Darin's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: A year after a shocking SLB championship run, Savannah came back to the pack in 2014, winning just 78 games. That’s bound to happen when you’re in a division with the best regular season team (Atlanta) and the eventual champion (San Juan). Not a single player hit 30 home runs for the Sabers (left fielder Todd Linden led the team with 24) and no one played in all 160 games. Garret Atkins led the team in RBIs with a paltry 63, exemplifying the team need to get runners on base more often. For comparison’s sake, Osaka had five players with over 100 RBIs. The Sabers .304 on-base percentage was good for thirteenth in the league. The starting pitching was a little better, Phillip Humber led the rotation in wins and ERA and Dante Inferno and Jose Valverde combined for 116 innings of sub 3.00 ERA. In a league with Atlanta and San Juan, all of this bought Savannah a third place finish. Off Season Analysis: Jay Gibbons and Randy Wolf retired, leaving holes in the outfield and rotation. Savannah grabbed Barry Zito to fill in as the No. 3 starter and Brandon Leahy will take over in right field, batting third. Leahy, a 2013 draftee, hit just .246 in his first year in the SLB last season, but has tools that have impressed Saber scouts. Savannah also signed aging former superstar Hee-Seop Choi to play first base. Choi got on base at a career low .300 pace last season, but still managed to hit 31 home runs. Shortstop Kippy Sunderstrom left in the offseason, so Savannah signed Val Pasucci to take his place. The former “Italian Stallion” hit 25 home runs as recently as 2013, but has never gotten on base as well as Sunderstrom did last year. Season Preview: They’ve clearly added some power (if Choi and Pasucci hit to form), and their pitching should be in the SLB’s upper echelon. Atlanta still appears to be the class of the division, but San Juan could slip, possibly allowing Savannah to sneak into second place and possible a wild card berth. The pitching is going to have to dominate, as the offense still appears to be below average. Offense: Savannah is going with an uber platoon system this season (the two lineups look almost nothing alike) hoping that by keeping a pitching staff off balance from game to game, they can increase their offensive production over its putrid 2014 levels. Choi is getting up there in years, but gives the team the power threat that it lacked last season. Brandon Leahy will become the team’s No. 3 hitter after 114 at bats in his rookie year and an impressive showing in spring training. Pitching: The pitching is clearly the strong point of the Sabers club. Oswalt, Humber, Zito and Halladay give them a quartet of pitchers with experience and a history of success. Dante Inferno is one of the best relievers in the league and Eric Gagne has saved 52 games in the last two seasons. Runelys Hernandez had a career best season in 2014, but if there is one thing you can take from his career, it’s that last year was a fluke and expecting him to repeat last year’s production is unwise. Halladay is due for a good year, with his trend of good-bad-good-bad. (2.93 ERA in 2009, 4.06 in 2010, 2.96 in 2011, 4.20 in 2012, 3.53 in 2013 and 4.37 last year). Man on the Spot: Brandon Leahy starts his first full year in the league by batting No. 3 in a lineup that was among the league’s worst in 2014. The team added more power with the additions of Choi and Pasucci, but it is Leahy who sits in the team’s most important lineup slot. With the pitching the Sabers have, a league average offense might propel Savannah into a wild card spot. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
First baseman Charlie Splittorff is the team’s top prospect, but hit just .267 in AAA last year. He hit lefties well (.304) and led the team in home runs with 12. Choi is at first base for the time being, so he has time to work out the kinks.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
2B Karros, M. 2B Jirschele, J.
CF Beltran, C. LF Linden, T.
RF Leahy, B. RF Leahy, B.
1B Choi, H. 1B Choi, H.
LF Jones, A. CF Jones, A.
3B Atkins, G. 3B Crede, J.
SS Pasucci, V. SS Pasucci, V.
C Tonis, M. C Buck, J.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Oswalt, R. R Gale, A. R Ayala, L.
R Humber, P. L Doolittle, S.
L Zito, B.
R Halladay, R. Middle Relievers Closers
R Hernandez, R. L Inferno, D. R Gagne, E.
R Garland, J.
Bench:
With the platoon system implemented this year, Savannah has a ton of bench potential. Kolkhorst, Linden and Beltran make up one of the better trios of pinch hitters available to any team, adding depth to an offense that struggled last season.
Right Handed C Buck, J. (vs.L) C Tonis, M. (vs.R) 2B Jirschele, J. (vs.L) 2B Karros, M. (vs.R) 3B Atkins, G. (vs.R) 3B Crede, J. (vs.L) RF Escobar, A.
Left Handed LF Kolkhorst, C.
Switch Hitter LF Linden, T. (vs.L) CF Beltran, C. (vs.R)
| Scotland Rebels | *-* |
| London Knights | *-* |
| Ireland Invaders | *-* |
| Paris Pimpernels | *-* |
| Scotland Rebels | 95-65 |
| Paris Pimpernels | 87-73 |
| Ireland Invaders | 78-82 |
| London Knights | 70-90 |
| Tom: * | Dylan: The Euro was hotly contested in 2014, and might turn out that way again this year. If Scotland hits well – and I think they will – they should win the division. London and Ireland both improved and might throw a monkey wrench into the standings, stealing games from Paris and Scotland and messing with the standings. |
Key Additions: P Zach Day, P Kelvim Escobar
Key Re-signings: *
Key Losses: P AJ Burnett (r), P Freddy Garcia (r), P Kerry Wood (r)
Spring Training Record: 11-19
Stadium Name: Lucky Leprechaun Field
Stadium Model: Dodger Stadium (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in Euro (Tom) /
3rd in Euro (Dylan)
| Darin's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: Ireland spun a weird tale in 2014, they didn’t have one obvious superstar (Johnson will be there eventually), but overall the offense was at worst middle of the pack. On the mound, they had Jeff Weaver turn in a fine year (13-9, 2.81) and had two guys finish in the top four in the league in K’s (Beckett 247, Burnett 226), but overall the pitching staff was just average. Add these two things together in a division with two 90+ win teams and you get Ireland, a talented but flawed 75-win team. Off Season Analysis: Kerry Wood and AJ Burnett both set sail, leaving gaping holes in the rotation, but also leaving enough money to sign the loquacious Kelvim Escobar. Escobar is a strike out artist himself (three straight seasons of 200+), so he’ll fit in nicely on a team used to watching opposing batters waltz back to the dugout. They also added Zach Day who had a fine year last season with divisional rival Paris. Season Preview: This is a tough division, but those young hitters are getting better in a hurry. The Whammy May/Boog Johnson/Earl Hickey trio is among the most exciting young groups in the league, and Al Murphy’s not far behind. Escobar and Josh Beckett will combine for around 30 wins and over 400 strike outs, and if the Invaders get another strong season from Day, they have a chance to do some damage. Offense: With Johnson and Hickey at the No. 3 and 4 spots in the lineup, all you need to have in front of them to score a load of runs is a couple of guys that can get on base consistently. Marlon Byrd hit .295 last season, so he fits the bill, but unfortunately for the Invaders, Geoff Orr doesn’t really have the track record you’d like out of your two-hole guy. He’s talented, no one is denying that, but his talent hasn’t equaled success as of yet. Maybe this is the year he figures it out, and if he does, look out, there will be a lot of RBI chances for the middle of the Invader lineup. Pitching: The Escobar/Beckett tandem has the potential to be the most powerful in the league. With Burnett off playing golf somewhere, Escobar will slide in perfectly, striking out batters left and right. Jeff Weaver has a mediocre history, but was downright incredible last season (2.81 ERA) and if he reproduces that, he’ll fight Dontrelle Willis to be the best No. 3 starter in the division. The bullpen looks untested, but as we all know, the SLB pen is a strange animal. Man on the Spot: Escobar is probably the most underrated pitcher in the league, but if he can lead Ireland to the playoffs, he might finally get his due. He's the ace of the staff and should be good for 15 wins. If he can make the jump from 15 to 20, though, he should put himself into Cy Young contention and possibly get Ireland into the playoff race. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
Al Murphy was the college player of the year last season, but struggled in his call-up after Earl Hickey’s injury. Geoff Orr will get his first full time opportunity and hit second. Damion Bedgood and Ed Hopper are in the Low minors, so they’re both a ways off, but each (especially Hopper) has an overpowering fastball.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
CF Byrd, M. CF Byrd, M.
2B Orr, G. 2B Orr, G.
RF Johnson, B. RF Johnson, B.
C Hickey, E. C Hickey, E.
3B Burroughs, S. 3B Burroughs, S.
1B Ensberg, M. 1B Ensberg, M.
SS May, W. SS May, W.
LF Kearns, A. LF Kearns, A.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Escobar, K. R Lackey, J. L Maroth, M.
R Beckett, J. R Lawrence, B.
R Weaver, J.
R Day, Z. Middle Relievers Closers
R Clement, M. R Kawabata, T. R Lopez, A.
L Kennedy, J.
Bench:
Konerko is still in the league? He still has power, and loads of it, but he’s an 18-year veteran on his last legs. He should be good for a few exciting pinch hit home runs, at least.
Right Handed C Gross, E. 1B Konerko, P. SS Everett, A. LF Phelps, J.
Left Handed 1B Durazo, E. LF Swackhammer, L.
Switch Hitter 2B Hudson, O.
Key Additions: C Joe Mauer, 2B T.J. Mackey
Key Re-signings: SS Jose Reyes
Key Losses: P Johan Santana, C Michael Barrett (r)
Spring Training Record: 16-14
Stadium Name: The Round Table
Stadium Model: Tiger Stadium (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in Euro (Tom) /
Last in Euro (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: London, London, London. The Knights won 64 games, or just three more than Baltimore, finishing 32 games behind Paris. They got good years from Jose Reyes (re-signed in the offseason) and Kendry Morales turned in their usual good years, while Johan Santana and Dice-K Matsuzaka highlighted a pitching staff that for the most part was pretty awful. Not that it mattered, however. Paris and Scotland were so hot that the Knights were out of it before the All-Star break. Off Season Analysis: Michael Barrett, who turned in an unusually decent year, retired and Johan Santana left to try to turn around Osaka’s staff. They re-signed Reyes, and brought in Joe Mauer to catch and doubles machine T.J. Mackey to play second base. Season Preview: Not good. They just don’t have enough fire power to compete with Paris and Scotland, or even Ireland. The rotation outside of Dice-K and maybe Oliver Perez, is not pretty and the bullpen is even worse. Offense: Reyes and Morales are a solid foundation, and Upton is pretty good himself. Big-time prospect Jim Russell will start in left field and bat No. 3 in 2015 after dominating in AAA last year. All in all, this offense should be pretty damn good, the addition of Mackey will go a long way towards turning this into an upper echelon unit. Pitching: If the pitching staff was decent-to-good, the Knights would be a dark horse playoff pick. As it is, they will likely finish in last. They lost Santana, and will replace him with Joe Mays, who had a 6.46 ERA in 99.0 innings last year. The bullpen will be no better. Man on the Spot: Christopher Volstad absolutely needs to take a step forward this year. The potential has always been there, but he’s just never put it all together. Matsuzaka and Perez could (should?) post ERAs in the 3.50 range, so if Volstad plays to his potential, he could turn a bad rotation into an average one. If that happens, with the offense the Knights have, he could very well push London into playoff contention. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
Jim Russell might be the top prospect in all of baseball after his AAA season had he not struggled in his pro at bats after his call-up last year. He had a 1.217 OPS in 151 AAA at bats and will now take over the most important spot in the Knights lineup.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
SS Reyes, J. SS Reyes, J.
3B Upton, J. 3B Upton, J.
LF Russell, J. LF Russell, J.
1B Morales, K. 1B Morales, K.
RF Reed, J. RF Reed, J.
CF Wells, V. CF Wells, V.
C Mauer, J. C Mauer, J.
2B Mackey, T. 2B Mackey, T.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Matsuzaka, D. R Ponson, S. L Zagurski, M.
L Bray, W. R Gaudin, C.
R Volstad, C.
L Perez, O. Middle Relievers Closers
R Mays, J. R Buckner, W. R Mateo, J.
R Brauer, J.
Bench:
Billy Wilson, a 2014 draftee, is the best bat on the bench, and might eventually become a starter if Joe Mauer doesn’t get his act together. Padilla hit .318 in a handful of at bats last year.
Right Handed 2B Scott, C. (V) LF Padilla, J. CF Brown, K.
Left Handed C Wilson, B. 1B Johnson, N. 1B Lis, E.
Switch Hitter *
Key Additions: P Les Beltre
Key Re-signings: P Jerome Williams, P Dontrelle Willis
Key Losses: P Zach Day, P Derek Thompson, LF Lance Berkman
Spring Training Record: 14-16
Stadium Name: Maginot Line Field
Stadium Model: Le Stade Olympique (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in Euro (Tom) /
2nd in Euro (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: After two average seasons, Derrek Lee exploded in his first season in Paris, hitting .333 (good for second in the league) with 28 home runs in just 122 games. Rookie of the Year Yuliesky Gourriel led the team with 38 homers and 110 RBIs in his first season in the league. Tim Hudson, Zach Day, Dontrelle Willis and Jerome Williams all tossed over 200 innings of sub 4.00 ERA, helping lead the team to a World League high 96 wins. Off Season Analysis: They kept Williams and Willis, but let Day go to division rival Ireland. Les Beltre struggled in Chiang-Mai last season, but was given $18 million dollars over three years to ply his trade in Paris. Aging slugger Lance Berkman left to play in Kyoto after his worst season since 2010. Season Preview: At mid-season last year, I predicted a second half decline for the Pimps, because they were dominating in one-run games without a top shelf bullpen. What did they do in the second half? The complete opposite of what I predicted. Can they go 31-12 in one-run contests again? That record was by far the best in the league, so I don’t see it happening again, but this team definitely has talent. Gourriel is a legit MVP candidate and their starting pitching, even without Day, is among the best in the league. In the end it comes down to them and Scotland, and I think that the Pimps pitching will win out. Offense: Gourriel and Lee are a pretty fearsome 1-2 punch and Morneau isn’t half-bad himself. The key is going to be getting full seasons out of this bunch, as no player played in all 160 games in 2014. Gourriel might hit 40 home runs now that he’s gotten the freshman jitters out of his system and he and Lee alone are enough to possibly push this offense to be among the division’s best. Pitching: The real strength of the team lies on the pitching mound. Few teams can match the Hudson, Willis, Williams combination. If they can get average seasons out of Kim and Beltre, another playoff spot is definitely in reach. Rafael Soriano saved 25 games last year despite a high ERA (5.02). If he lowers that number by a point, he might save 30, because this staff will get him a lead. Man on the Spot: Derrek Lee. If you assume that Gourriel will repeat, the offensive pendulum really swings with Lee, here. If he hits like he did last season, this offense will give its starting pitching the lead more times than not. If he regresses back to 2011-13 levels, the lineup might be less than average. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
Stephen Head and Ryne Robinson both dominated AAA in 2014. Head hit .347 with 15 home runs in 251 at bats, and Robinson hit a stunning .386 with a .686 slugging percentage in just 61 games. Mark Pawelek is probably the No. 1 pitching prospect on the team, and he came up late last year and picked up a win in seven strong innings.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
SS Rollins, J. SS Rollins, J.
CF Vanderaarde, T. CF Vanderaarde, T.
1B Lee, D. 1B Lee, D.
3B Gourriel, Y. 3B Gourriel, Y.
RF Morneau, J. RF Morneau, J.
LF Rivera, J. LF Rivera, J.
C Kelly, H. C Kelly, H.
2B Giles, M. 2B Giles, M.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Hudson, T. R Davis, P. L Fuentes, B.
R Williams, J. R Piniero, J. R Farnsworth, K.
L Willis, D.
R Beltre, L. Middle Relievers Closers
R Kim, B. L Brush, L. R Soriano, R.
R Italiano, T.
Bench:
Rip Armbruster was fantastic in short doses last year, hitting .321 in 91 games. He will once again be on the bench, and he is unlikely to hit as well as he did last year, but he gives Paris an experienced bat in late game situations.
Right Handed C Hernandez, R. 2B Blair, C. RF Pope, L. RF Restovich, M.
Left Handed LF Armbruster, R.
Switch Hitter C Powell, L.
Key Additions: P Francisco Cordero, P Zach Greinke, P Horacio Ramirez, C Troy Paris, SS B.B. Boo-Ya
Key Re-signings: P Mark Mulder, LF Walt Coon
Key Losses: P Kyle Lohse, P Javier Vazquez (r), 2B Josh Barfield
Spring Training Record: 18-12
Opening Day Payroll: $00,000,000
Stadium Name: Stirling Castle Kilted Stadium
Stadium Model: HHH Metrodome (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in Euro (Tom) /
1st in Euro (Dylan)
| Darin's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: Scotland had the division’s best pitching, and second best offense, and won 92 games, good for second in the Euro. Adam Dunn and Ryan Howard both hit over 40 home runs, and Josh Barfield (36) came close. The starting rotation, led by Mulder, Vazquez and Webb was pretty good, but the bullpen struggled. Off Season Analysis: Vazquez retired and Barfield was traded to Kyoto. They resigned Mulder, who had a career year in 2014, and slugging outfielder Walt Coon and signed B.B. Boo-ya to take over for Barfield at second base. Horacio Ramirez signed a three-year, $12 million dollar contract and will take over for Vazquez as the No. 3 starter. Season Preview: The Euro is a tough division, with Paris and the improving Ireland, but Scotland has the ability to stay near the top. Their offense, with the addition of Boo-ya and Paris, and a full season from Evan Longoria at third base, should be pretty buff. The pitching staff should also be among the league’s best, if Ramirez pitches well and Jered Weaver can duplicate the success he had out of the bullpen last year. It’s not too early to get excited in Scotland about what might be the best team they’ve had there in quite some time. Offense: This group should be near unstoppable. The 1-through-6 hitters look as good as any group in the league outside of Osaka, and Stubbs is a guy who hit .281 with 21 home runs and 53 stolen bases last year in his first full season in the league. Dunn and Howard could combine for another 80 home runs and Coon could do the same if he stays healthy. Pitching: As great as the offense looks, the rotation might match them. Mulder and Webb were fantastic, and Weaver looked good in limited duty out of the pen. Shane Mungitt saved 21 games last year even though he had a 5.05 ERA. The success of the staff will come down to Weaver, Romero and Ramirez. Neither of these three guys have an extended track record, so they could be great, or they could be terrible, we just don’t know for sure. If they’re great, look for Scotland to win the division, maybe even running away with it. Man on the Spot: B.B. Boo-ya hit .295 last year – wait, what’s that? That .295 was his on-base percentage? – oops. Boo-ya struggled last year, coming off of a career high .327 batting average. If he returns to 2013 levels of production, this team wins the division. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
First baseman Al Allen hit .316 with 17 home runs in AAA last year and will be the Rebels primary left handed bat off the bench. Anthony Boarman has a chance to be a good one, and will get his shot when Boo-Ya moves on.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
2B Boo-Ya, B. 2B Boo-Ya, B.
LF Coon, W. LF Coon, W.
RF Dunn, A. RF Dunn, A.
1B Howard, R. 1B Howard, R.
3B Longoria, E. 3B Longoria, E.
C Paris, T. C Paris, T.
SS Bush, M. SS Bush, M.
CF Stubbs, D. CF Stubbs, D.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
L Mulder, M. R Greinke, Z. R Cordero, F.
R Webb, B. R Landers, B.
L Ramirez, H.
R Weaver, J. Middle Relievers Closers
L Romero, R. R Julio, J. R Mungitt, S.
L Ramirez, E.
Bench:
A fairly inexperienced
bench outside of Elmer Davie. Decent defensive replacements, but no one you'd
want starting for an extended period of time.
Right Handed C Hitchcock, B. 2B Boarman, A. LF Smitherman, S. RF Davie, E.
Left Handed 1B Allen, A. LF Swackhammer, L.
Switch Hitter *
| Osaka Ronin | *-* |
| Chiang Mai Kwaan | *-* |
| Kyoto Bushido | *-* |
| Taipei Tai Fong | *-* |
| Osaka Ronin | 91-59 |
| Kyoto Bushido | 84-66 |
| Chiang Mai Kwaan | 79-81 |
| Taipei Tai Fong | 70-90 |
| Tom: * | Dylan: Let’s face it, Osaka is going to hit too much for anyone to catch them, although Kyoto is going to make it close. Chiang-Mai took steps to get back on top, but still lacks the pitching, while Taipei is too young, and their bullpen is too terrible. It looks like Osaka’s division to lose. |
Key Additions: P Scott Kazmir, P Derek Thompson, LF Wily Mo Pena, RF Dennis Dennis, Jr.,
Key Re-signings: C Thurman Murman
Key Losses: P Les Beltre, P Billy Koch (r), P Ricky Stone, SS B.B. Boo-Ya
Spring Training Record: 9-21
Stadium Name: Durian Producers Field
Stadium Model: Fenway Park (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in Far East
(Tom) / 3rd in Far East (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: Expectations were high last year for the Kwaan after their turnaround 2013 season, but they fell flat on their faces, finishing in last place, 25 games behind Osaka. Youngsters Joe Belinda, Daniel Callahan and Jordan Parraz provide a nice, young foundation, but they weren’t enough to keep the Kwaan out of the cellar last year, mainly because the pitching staff was historically awful. Not a single starter had an ERA below 4.00, a primary reason why they only won 66 games a year after winning 93. Off Season Analysis: They cut bait with Boo-Ya and brought in All-Star D2J. They also brought in Scott Kazmir and Derek Thompson to bolster their pitching corps and they re-signed catcher Thurman Murman, matching the 3-year, $18 million contract offered him. The Dennis Jr. signing pushed Jordan Parraz to the bench, giving them a nice power option for late inning pinch hitting duty. Season Preview: They improved their pitching staff, but will it be enough to keep pace with the Kyoto’s and Osaka’s? Probably not. Kazmir isn’t as good as his contract indicates and Derek Thompson, outside of one year in 2009, isn’t very good himself. The offense should be good, but they won’t be able to score enough runs to save the weak starting rotation. Offense: The offense will be good and fast once again. Cap Jackson took a small step forward last year and despite losing Carl Crawford, Trevor Bayne (22 stolen bases in AAA) and Luke Zalusky (team high 18 steals in AAA) take their turns in the lineup. D2J will bat third and turn in another All-Star season, while Belinda and Callahan will continue their progression towards All-Star candidacy. The one question mark is Brett Willemburg, who has all of one SLB plate appearance to his credit (a walk). Other than that, they’re loaded. Pitching: Once again, the pitching will be the weak point of the team. Kazmir is the most talented pitcher on the roster, but struggled last year. The bullpen is full of a combination of young guys and reclamation projects, and in an offensive league like the Far East, they will get exposed early and often. Man on the Spot: Kazmir I guess. He’s clearly the best pitcher on the roster, but he’s in a staff with what might turn out to be 11 stiffs. If he doesn’t pitch well, it’s just going to be another year near the bottom for the Kwaan. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
Trevor Bayne and Luke Zalusky turned strong AAA performances into spots in the opening day lineup. Both are speed burners, and will keep the Kwaan tradition of running all day and all night going. Willemburg is talented, if less heralded, and will start at shortstop for the big club.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
CF Bayne, T. CF Bayne, T.
2B Jackson, C. 2B Jackson, C.
RF Dennis Jr., D. LF Dennis Jr., D.
C Murman, T. C Murman, T.
LF Belinda, J. RF Belinda, J.
1B Callahan, D. 1B Callahan, D.
3B Zalusky, L. 3B Zalusky, L.
SS Willemburg, B. SS Willemburg, B.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
L Kazmir, S. R Waechter, D. R Riske, D.
R Thompson, K. R Bauers, J. R Ostrosky, R.
L Thompson, D.
R Broadway, L. Middle Relievers Closers
R Pelfrey, M. L Goyen, M. R Quinonez, R.
R Cupps, A.
Bench:
Jordan Parraz got off to a hot start in 2014 before cooling off after his name appeared in trade rumors with Taipei. Pat Jordan will backup Murman, and he is fast as well, something you don’t see too often from behind the plate.
Right Handed 3B Beltre, A. LF Pena, W. CF Dyche, J. CF Parraz, J.
Left Handed C Jordan, P. Switch Hitter *
Key Additions: P Jeremy Guthrie, P Kyle Lohse, 2B Josh Barfield, 3B Hank Blalock, SS Wilson Betemit, LF Lance Berkman
Key Re-signings: 2B Chase Utley, CF Josh Hamilton
Key Losses: P Zach Greinke, C Troy Paris, 1B Hee-Seop Choi
Spring Training Record: 15-15
Stadium Name: Hello Kitty War Memorial
Stadium Model: SkyDome (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in Far East
(Tom) / 2nd in Far East (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: Kyoto went 78-82 last year – and finished in second place, a feat made possible due to the relative suckiness of the rest of the Far East division. Choi, J.J. Davis (out of nowhere), Chase Utley and Eric Dalton each hit over 30 home runs and the starting pitching, led by Hong-Chih Kuo and a resurgent Jake Peavy led a pretty decent pitching staff. In the end, a low on-base percentage (fifteenth in the league at .297) kept them from scoring enough runs to win games. All-Star Troy Paris came over in the off season and disappointed greatly in his first season as a Bushido. Off Season Analysis: No other team was this busy. They added a big-bat in Barfield, and re-signed Utley and Hamilton. They also added Berkman, who is on his last legs, but is still productive, and Kyle Lohse and Jeremy Guthrie, who will both begin the season in the starting rotation. They also added Hank Blalock in a late trade, and he will push Barfield to shortstop, giving them a pretty powerful left side of the infield. Season Preview: It’s going to be tough to keep up with Osaka and Chiang-Mai in a reloaded Far East division, but give the Bushido points for trying. Adding Barfield gives them another slugger and Troy Paris and his low on-base percentage have been replaced by Kiel Thibault, the first French catcher in SLB history. Lohse becomes the new No. 1 starter and Guthrie, he of the 1.0 inning pitched in 2014 starts the season as the No. 5. The offense has the potential to be good-to-great, but the rotation might just as likely turn ugly. Guthrie will likely be replaced at some point during the season, he hasn’t pitched more than 100 innings since 2012, and even then, he wasn’t any good. Offense: Like I said already, this offense could be very good. They are going to hit a ton of home runs and the additions of Barfield and Blalock give them a powerful left side of the infield (not to mention some killer alliteration). Don’t sleep on Hamilton, Berkman, Utley and Dalton, all four are professional hitters and they should combine for over 100 home runs between the four of them. Pitching: I’m not sold on Lohse as the No. 1, or Guthrie as the No. 5, but the guys in between should be pretty good. Huston Street is up and down as a closer, but who isn’t these days. With the offense Kyoto has assembled, the Peavy/Myers/Kuo could combine for 50 wins. Man on the Spot: Kyle Lohse needs a strong year to justify his spot as the team’s No. 1 starter. The offense is going to be just fine, and if he pitches well, this team should be in the thick of the World League’s wild card chase. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
First baseman Mark Hamilton was set to get a chance to win the first base job in the spring, but struggled and it was given to Berkman. The talent is there, so Berkman is little more than just a place holder for Hamilton until he gets ready for a big league job.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
CF Bourjos, P. CF Sanchez, A.
RF Hamilton, J. SS Barfield, J.
SS Barfield, J. RF Hamilton, J.
LF Dalton, E. 1B Berkman, L.
1B Berkman, L. LF Dalton, E.
C Thibault, K. 3B Blalock, H.
3B Blalock, H. C Thibault, K.
2B Utley, C. 2B Utley, C.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Lohse, K. R Daniels, H. R Cruz, J.
R Peavy, J. L Gudex, T.
R Myers, B.
L Kuo, H. Middle Relievers Closers
R Guthrie, J. R Unger, T. R Street, H.
R Simons, Z.
Bench:
Ed Miller garnered 635 at bats last season – and a lot of guff from angered fans – hitting .238 with a paltry .269 on base percentage as a starter. He and Mike Lowell (who hit a much better .289 last season) will be the two main bats off the bench for the Bushido.
Right Handed C Benes, C. 1B Hessman, M. 3B Lowell, M. CF Bourjos, P. (vs.R)
Left Handed 3B Hinske, E. CF Sanchez, A. (vs.L)
Switch Hitter SS W. Betemit
Key Additions: P Johan Santana, SS Rafael Furcal
Key Re-signings: C Tony Montana, 3B Chest Rockwell
Key Losses: P Wade Miller, SS Alex Rodriguez (r)
Spring Training Record: 18-12
Opening Day Payroll: $00,000,000
Stadium Name: Domokun Field
Stadium Model: Yankee Stadium (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in Far East
(Tom) / 1st in Far East (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: They scored a ton of runs, hit a ton of home runs (enough to offset the god-awful pitching), but in the end, fell short once again. They had an amazing nine players hit over 25 home runs, and this is in a league where you bat eight hitters and a pitcher. How does that even happen? Dave Peppers hit .329 with a record 72 home runs and Rueben Brown impressed in his first, full big league stint (.292, 38). On the pitching side? Not so pretty. Wade Miller was good, but he’s gone now, and everyone else was terrible. Off Season Analysis: Rafael Furcal is no Alex Rodriguez, but as good as everyone else in the lineup is, will it even matter? Johan Santana will be the new ace after a strong 2014 in London. They managed to keep Rockwell and Montana at the auction, so look for this lineup to keep mangling opposing pitchers in 2015. Osaka is no place to pitch, that’s for sure. Season Preview: In what should be a much improved Far East, Osaka still looks like the best of the bunch. They obviously have the best offense in the division, so the only roadblock to another division crown will be that pitching staff. If they can just be not completely terrible, Osaka should have a playoff spot all but locked down. Offense: What can be said that already hasn’t? This is a fearsome bunch. Peppers is a guy that can get hot and legitimately hit 80 home runs. Has there ever been a player in the league you could say that about? When Jack Cust hits 27 home runs in just 296 at bats, you know there’s some kind of magic pixie dust all these guys are snorting. They should once again be the best lineup in the league, and I don’t think it will be even close. Pitching: As good as the hitting is, this crew is on the opposite end of the spectrum. The truth is, they probably aren’t terrible, it’s just that Osaka is awful on pitchers. Their bullpen last season was a mess, and with all the money spent on offense, it looks like there will be another patchwork group in effect this season. Johan Santana has great stuff, but how will pitching in this home run haven effect him? Man on the Spot: Gotta be Johan Santana. It doesn’t take much to be the ace in Osaka, and the Ronin need him to pitch effectively, because Kyoto and Chiang-Mai have division title thoughts of their own. Santana has the stuff to win 20 games with this lineup, but he also has the potential to lose a lot of games as well, as he has been prone to giving up the long ball in his past. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
Second baseman John Thomas and Shortstop Mike Henderson are the top two offensive prospects for the Ronin. Thomas hit .325 in AAA and will one day take over for Soriano, while Henderson is the obvious answer when Furcal moves on.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
SS Furcal, R. SS Furcal, R.
2B Soriano, A. 2B Soriano, A.
LF Brown, R. LF Brown, R.
3B Rockwell, C. 3B Rockwell, C.
1B Peppers, D. 1B Peppers, D.
C Montana, T. C Montana, T.
RF Matsui, H. RF Matsui, H.
CF Schalk, J. CF Schalk, J.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
L Santana, J. R Lyon, B. L Coble, L.
R Jennings, J. R Noboa, T.
R Webb, J.
R Sheets, B. Middle Relievers Closers
R Tankersley, D. L Seay, B. L Ankiel, R.
R Werth, R.
Bench:
Ryu and Cust are both power threats, combing for 54 home runs last season while filling in off the bench. Ryu is an exciting prospect who is blocked in the infield by even more exciting players, so he’ll have to bide his time once again.
Right Handed *
Left Handed 1B Ryu, K. 2B Drauby, E. LF Cust, J. CF Podsednik, S. RF Mackowiak, R.
Switch Hitter C Doumit, R.
Key Additions: *
Key Re-signings: *
Key Losses: *
Spring Training Record: 13-17
Opening Day Payroll: $00,000,000
Stadium Name: The Polio Grounds
Stadium Model: Camden Yards (Grass)
Predicted Finish: ? in Far East
(Tom) / Last in Far East (Dylan)
| Tom's Take
2014 Recap: * Off Season Analysis:* Season Preview:* Offense: * Pitching: * Man on the Spot: * |
Dylan's Take
2014 Recap: Taipei made a little progress last year, winning 70 games and staying out of last. Their starting pitching, led by Ted Striker and Ron Mexico was decent, their offense was average and their bullpen (to steal a line from Bill Walton) was terrrrrrible. Nick Swisher led the offense and Tom Maple and Dan Posedel (both 2013 draftees) were great when they weren’t on the DL nusing injuries. Off Season Analysis: Was there a more boring off season in the league than the one in Taipei? With little to no money to spend, the Tai-Fong tossed contracts around at seemingly random relief pitchers and backup outfielders, instead hoping to rely on the growth of their young players to make the difference in 2015. They did completely overhaul their middle infield, replacing Matt Bush and Rian Luiz with rookies Troy Tulowitzki and Larry Kargel, and Orber Moreno will now handle the majority of the middle relief duties after coming over from Scotland. Season Preview: Everyone else in the Far East made big moves except Taipei, so barring something unforeseen, it looks like its back to the cellar for the Tai-Fong. The key will be the patchwork bullpen that has been assembled. With an offense that should be average-to-good, and a decent starting staff, a resurgent bullpen would go a long way to keeping Taipei out of the basement for the second straight season. Offense: Honestly the offense isn’t bad, and should be better than last season. Maple and Posedel are exciting and Antonio Mule looks like a keeper. The key to the offense will be the two new guys, Kargel and Tulowitzki. The guys they are replacing were both awful, so if they hit decently well, this offense could be pretty good. Pitching: Striker, Mexico and Hernandez are talented, if not great, at the top of the rotation. Brad Penny and Andrew Brown round up a decent staff that is probably in the top half of the division, behind Kyoto. It’s the bullpen that drags this crew down. Moreno might be the only one of the group that isn’t beyond terrible. It’s going to be another long year on mound for Taipei. Man on the Spot: Felix Hernandez has been hyped since before his first pitch in the SLB in 2013, but to date hasn’t pitched very well at all. He’s making the big bucks, something that Taipei can barely afford with its meager budget, so it’s time he started earning that paycheck. The Tai-Fong desperately need their starting staff to pick up the slack, since their pen will be among the worst in the league. |
Spring
Training Wrap Up:
Top Prospects Report:
What prospects, they’re all playing for what is likely the league’s youngest team. Matt Porter and Kurt Lauschcer are the only two pitchers of note, but both need a lot of seasoning before making a jump to the bigs.
Opening Day Lineups:
Batting Order vs. LHP: Batting Order vs. RHP:
CF Maple, T. CF Maple, T.
3B Pujols, A. 3B Pujols, A.
1B Posedel, D. 1B Posedel, D.
RF Swisher, N. RF Swisher, N.
LF Mule, A. LF Mule, A.
SS Tulowitzki, T. SS Tulowitzki, T.
2B Kargel, L. 2B Kargel, L.
C Alten, G. C Alten, G.
P Pitchers Slot P Pitchers Slot
Starters Long Relievers Setup men
R Hernandez, F. R Whelan, K. R Cordero, C.
R Mexico, R. R Palm, J. R Redding, T.
R Striker, T.
R Penny, B. Middle Relievers Closers
R Brown, A. R Moreno, O. R Liriano, P.
L Norrick, F.
Bench:
Rocco Baldelli came up with dozens of big hits off the bench last year for the Tai-Fong, much to the chagrin of other owners in the league that had long waited for the talented center fielder to play to his potential. Holliday, Mench and Nix can all hit for power, so look for a few late inning walk-off home runs from Taipei this year.
Right Handed C Delaney, J. LF Holliday, M. LF Mench, K. CF Baldelli, R.
Left Handed LF Nix, L.
Switch Hitter *
| Tom's Picks | Dylan's Picks |
| MVP - * | MVP - Darren Lemming (ATL) |
| Cy Young - * | Cy Young - Kelvim Escobar (IRE) |
| Rookie Hitter - * | Rookie Hitter - Jim Russell (LON) |
| Rookie Pitcher - * | Rookie Pitcher - Ryan Tucker (ATL) |
| Rolaids Reliever - * | Rolaids Reliever - Huston Street (KYO) |
| Comeback Player - * | Comeback Player - Huston Street (KYO) |
| Playoff Teams - *,*,*,*,*,* | Playoff Teams - PHI, ATL, SCOT, OSKA, SJ, PAR |
| World Series Teams - *,* | World Series Teams - ATL, OSKA |
| World Series Champ - * | World Series Champ - ATL |